Who We Are

KICK began as Kick Publishing Company (a for profit business) in 1994. The publication was created to inform the LGBT community of issues relative to LGBT African Americans. Kick Publishing Company was the third American black LGBT media company created in America. The publication and various other publications were distributed to national gay and straight retailers. The publishers of magazine soon got involved in sponsoring many LGBT events, and ultimately in 1996 members of the staff of KICK! Magazine created and formed the non-profit Detroit Black Gay Pride, Inc., the organizers of Hotter Than July!, which is Detroit’s LGBT weekend pride celebration. It continues to this day.

KICK – The Agency for LGBT African Americans, a Michigan non-profit business, was founded in 2003 with the help of Detroit LGBT residents. Together, their aim is to continue to implement LGBT affirming programs, services, projects and special events; and to partner with other social justice organizations and allies with similar beliefs.

In 2011 The Center in Detroit opened and provides the LGBT and allied community a safe space in Detroit in which to discuss, learn and offer support to one another.

KICK – The Agency for LGBT African-Americans is a proud member of the following:

Midtown Detroit, Inc., a midtown local neighborhood association

Racial Equity Initiative, a coalition of Detroit people of color LGBT organizations